Anxiety from COVID-19 has manifested itself in myriad ways — the hoarding of toilet paper and cleaning supplies, binge-watching TV shows, stocking up the freezer.
Most actions are harmless, though at times have proved an inconvenience to others.
One result that has potential for harm, however, is the dramatic increase in gun ownership in the four months since the pandemic came ashore.
In March alone, more than 2 million Americans purchased new guns, up 85% from the previous year, according to consultants with Small Arm Analytics & Forecasting.
Health experts say anxieties from the pandemic — the reality or potentiality of losing a job, contracting the virus, social isolation or fearing a breakdown in society — have spurred gun sales. Their fear is that these new gun-owners will use their weapons on themselves.
The facts back it up. Two-thirds of all gun-related deaths are by suicide.
Perhaps unique to the United States, Americans take comfort in guns.
After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, firearm sales spiked. Same with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012.
In times of chaos, some feel guns give them a sense of control.
We’re not here to debate gun ownership. That ship has long since sailed.
But because guns are weapons, we do want to ensure they are in the right hands.
Red flag laws can help.
Such laws allow law enforcement as well as concerned relatives or friends the ability to ask a judge to temporarily suspend a person’s access to guns if there are clear signs that he or she poses a serious danger to themselves or others.
Discussions about suicide or commiting murder can prompt a request. Not only are the person’s weapons removed from their house, but they also are barred from purchasing more guns until the order is lifted.
Seventeen states have some form of a red flag law. Kansas does not.
